Aston Villa: Randy Lerner and Paul Faulkner issue club statement

18:45, 25 April 2012

ByBirmingham Mail

Aston Villa chairman Randy Lerner and chief executive Paul Faulkner have issued a statement on behalf of the club after a day which has seen Villa fans united in angry criticism of manager Alex McLeish and the board of directors.

Aston Villa chairman Randy Lerner and chief executive Paul Faulkner have issued a statement on behalf of the club after a day which has seen Villa fans united in angry criticism of manager Alex McLeish and the board of directors.

A home defeat to fellow strugglers Bolton Wanderers on Tuesday night left Villa just three points above the Premier League relegation zone with three games to play.

The statement from Lerner and Faulkner, posted at www.avfc.co.uk read: "Right now everyone connected with Villa is hurting badly.

"A win was in sight last night against Bolton after a strong start and the tenacity the team displayed, although ultimately we weren't able to hold on for the points.

"We very openly acknowledge the frustrations of Villa fans and share in them completely.

"What matters to us and the Board at this moment is how we, as a Club, handle adversity and the pressure it brings.

"Our horizon is the next three games and we continue to be in control of our own destiny.

"Young players side-by-side with more senior players are fighting hard for the Club.

"They are now preparing for West Brom followed by Spurs and Norwich.

"We will continue to support and rely on our manager and the squad and therefore give them our full support.

"We are totally conscious, as is everyone at the Club, that this is a very trying time for those who love Aston Villa.

"We know that the team will continue to fight through every minute of the remaining games and we hope Villa fans will continue to show their great support."

A Birmingham Mailonline poll saw 76 per cent of more than 3,300 voters call for McLeish to leave the club.

Villa's next game is away at West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.

After that, their final home game is against Tottenham on Sunday, May 6, followed by a trip to Norwich on Sunday, May 13.